Bob St. Clair

Bob St. Clair established himself as one of the most physically imposing and versatile players in NFL history, using his towering 6-foot-9 frame and exceptional intelligence to dominate as both an offensive tackle and a special teams force across eleven seasons with his hometown San Francisco 49ers. Born on February 18, 1931, in San Francisco, St. Clair attended San Francisco Polytechnic High School located across the street from Kezar Stadium before playing at the University of San Francisco. He was part of USF's undefeated 1951 team that famously refused to play in the Orange Bowl when organizers demanded that Black players Ollie Matson and Burl Toler be excluded. After USF discontinued football, St. Clair finished his college career at Tulsa in 1952.

Drafted by the 49ers in the third round (32nd overall) of the 1953 NFL draft, St. Clair successfully held out for a $6,000 rookie salary before earning his roster spot by holding his own against defensive tackle Leo Nomellini in practice. He played his entire eleven-year career (1953-1963) in San Francisco, accumulating nine All-Pro selections (five first-team, four second-team), five Pro Bowl appearances (1956, 1958-1961), and recognition on the NFL 1950s All-Decade Team. Serving as team captain from 1957 through 1959, he protected the legendary Million Dollar Backfield featuring Hall of Famers Y.A. Tittle, Joe Perry, Hugh McElhenny, and John Henry Johnson.

St. Clair's playing strengths transcended traditional offensive line play: an unprecedented combination of extreme height with agility and speed; a devastating blocking technique using long arms and powerful hands; special teams dominance, blocking nineteen career field goals; mental toughness, continuing to play after losing five teeth while blocking Norm Van Brocklin's kick; psychological warfare, intimidating centers with physical play before leapfrogging over them on subsequent attempts.